New Member Spotlight: Brian Sloan
Staff
Brian Sloan
EO Beijing
CEO of Very Intelligent Ecommerce, Inc.
Joined EO in September 2012
When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
BS: When I was in my second year of law school, a friend took me to an antique auction, where I bought an original version of the Monopoly board game for US$50. Having no use for it, I put it on eBay and sold it for US$150. I spent the rest of my free time in law school traveling and buying items from antique auctions, and then selling them on eBay. It was a ton of fun, and more than paid the bills. When it came time to getting a job, I couldn't picture myself sitting behind a desk, taking orders and doing difficult work for a relatively small salary. I pledged to myself that I would never work for someone else.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to accept as an entrepreneur?
BS: I've had to accept that my success or failure depends 100 percent on my own actions or mistakes. There's no safety net.
What’s the most appealing part about being a member of the EO community?
BS: I view the opportunities for learning as the most valuable for me, both in and out of Forum. As an entrepreneur, I am solely responsible for my own personal growth, and having a few events to attend each month ensures a constant flow of new ideas and information.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
BS: I never cease to surprise people when I tell them what I do for a living, which is manufacture my own brands of adult toys. Most people laugh and then say, ‘No, really. What do you do?’ Apparently, I'm the only person in my line of business who most people have ever met. Some are surprised I don't have horns or wear a cape!
Who inspires you in business or life?
BS: I've always been impressed by auctioneers. I found that a good auctioneer is an entrepreneur who runs his own company, a great actor and a good comedian. Every entrepreneur can learn something from their tenacity and ability to adapt their style to different audiences while thinking on their feet.
